The Isle of Islay, pronounced ‘eye-lah’, sits in the North Atlantic Ocean between Scottish island of Jura and Northern Ireland in a region known as Argyll and Bute. This beautiful Hebridean island is encircled by sandy beaches and small coves, the largest of which forms Loch Indaal where the famous Bowmore Distillery of Islay single malt fame can be found - Bowmore is one of nine on Islay. The stunning wildlife and scenery are to die for. Be sure to seek out Islay’s wonderful craft shops, great restaurants and its unusual round church at Bowmore.
Amongst the best purveyors of local craft are the Persabus Pottery, Islay Woollen Mill, Islay Ales, and Islay Quilters. You can find many craftspeople in Islay House Square, Islay Ales is one of them and is Islay's only brewery. Islay offers many wonderful and quiet sandy beaches all around the island, some more suitable for swimming than others. The Atlantic west coast of Islay is particularly beautiful because of stunning bays at Machir, Sanaigmore, and Saligo, which is the best if you love sunsets. Interesting and beautiful villages like historic Port Charlotte, Bowmore with its Round Church, Port Ellen and Portnahaven will make your stay completely memorable.
Our Isle of Islay cottages would make the perfect place for a Scottish beachside escape thanks to the miles of shoreline for walking, beachcombing and bucket and spade days. Islay has some wonderful craft shops, great restaurants and an unusual round church at Bowmore.
View our guide to Scotland